High speed code reader

SICK’s ICR series of code reader offers greater reading performance, shorter evaluation times, even simpler operation, and a new product variant, the ICR845-2, for reading on both static and rapidly moving objects.

Harsh demands are made of code readers in industrial use: compressed and directly marked codes must be equally reliably read.

OEMs and end-users demand devices with simple operation, diagnostic functions and individual interfaces.

Commissioning of the code reader has been considerably simplified by live images and evaluation of the reading result using comfortable diagnostic functions.

The improved decoder algorithms now provide even better reading results with poor-quality, contaminated or partially destroyed codes.

Evaluation times are very short, thanks to the latest processor technology, and the possible speed of the objects in the reading fields is therefore very high.

Connection of the ICR code reader in automation and communication systems is highly flexible: CAN, RS232, Ethernet and a variety of fieldbus connections are available.

The ICR840-2 is the ideal solution when a code is to be read while stationary or at low speed – especially as it also offers high resolution with its 1.3 megapixel optics.

The new ICR845-2 is best for stationary and high-speed reading because it can record and evaluate up to 60 pictures per second.

In addition to its speed of up to 12m/s, the ICR850-2 offers the advantage that a code with low resolution can always be decoded within its large imaging field.

SICK Australia 1800 334 802.

www.sick.com

Vertical mount junction bricks

TURCK has introduced JRBS junction bricks for fieldbus, an innovative product family providing quick and easy connection of multiple devices to the main fieldbus trunk.

JRBS junction bricks are available with 4, 6, 8, 10 or 12 ports and feature removable terminals for simple installation, and wiring modification, in tight spaces.

These terminals are located on both sides of the brick to enable easy access for wiring from either direction—and they securely screw into place—eliminating the risk of becoming disconnected in high vibration environments.

JRBS junction bricks can be DIN-mounted vertically or horizontally.

The bricks provide short circuit protection for all ports, as well as visual status with bright LED indicators located on each spur. This allows devices to be added and removed without disruption to the network.

An optional overmoulded, pluggable terminating resistor is also available for use with the three pole terminal blocks.

IP20 JRBS junction bricks deliver a reliable, network-enabled solution for remote I/O systems in numerous industries, including oil and gas; petrochemical; power generation and distribution; pharmaceutical; water processing and management.

In addition, several features of the JRBS junction brick make it particularly simple to set-up and use:

* Delivers a complete Foundation fieldbus solution from field devices to control systems;

* Available in 4, 6, 8, 10 or 12 port models;

* Features removable terminals for easier access and wiring in confined areas;

* Offers simple vertical or horizontal DIN-rail mounting configuration;

* Pluggable terminating resistor available;

* Incorporates short circuit protection with LED indication on each spur;

* Features IP20-rated housing;

* Offers cage-clamp terminals, screw terminals;

* Hazardous location approvals permit installation in a variety of configurations.

TURCK Australia 1300 132 566.

www.turck.com.au

Enviro-friendly coating

A&I Coatings has introduced an environmentally friendly surface coating, Envirothane 8450, said not to compromise strength or hardness and still achieve a brilliant gloss finish.

This water-based polyurethane can be made for surfaces such as kitchen cabinets and doors, bedroom doors and external architectural steelwork which have traditionally been treated with conventional two-pack polyurethanes.

Envirothane 8450 has been developed to take the place of these conventional urethanes.

Features include:

* Very low VOCs;

* A water based resin system;

* Compliance with Green Building Council of Australia’s Green Star system – maximum credits are obtainable;

* Brilliant gloss;

* Maximum hardness and surface slip for low maintenance;

* Very good UV resistance.

A&I Coatings can provide extensive information on Envirothane 8450 by way of samples, data sheets, and colour range.

A&I Coatings 1800 819 585.

Powered platform trolley

WAREHOUSING Equipment has introduced Pushmate, a battery-powered platform trolley.

Designed for safe handling the powered Pushmate has a capacity of 500kg and an anti-slip platform of 1260 x 700mm.

The forward and reverse drive system has variable speed control, reverse audio alarm and a dual braking system.

With a universal in-built charger, a maximum speed of 4km/h and a 9km range at full speed, the powered Pushmate with puncture-proof drive wheels is suited to a variety of environments.

Warehousing Equipment 1800 337 711.

www.warequip.com.au

Weld force test kit

AMS Instrumentation has a weld force test kit (WFTK) that is used to check the electrode force in spotwelding equipment.

The WFTK consists of a force transducer and a display unit.

To check the forces acting between the electrodes, the force transducer is held between the electrodes.

The concave surfaces centre the force transducer and when the welding electrodes come together, the magnitude of the applied force can be read off on the display unit.

The force transducer is of shear force construction and therefore insensitive to transverse forces and torques. It has a measuring range of 0-10kN.

The output signal is connected to the handheld display unit via a cable. This display unit carries the voltage supply for the transducer. Alternatively, the supply can be taken from a PLC.

Thin-film sensors are the heart of the measuring system. The sensor, which is laser welded, has all the advantages of the conventional bonded foil strain gauges, but without having their substantial disadvantages (temperature drifts of the glue and creeping).

AMS Instrumentation 03 9017 8225.

www.ams-ic.com.au

Screw jack systems

TEA Transmissions’ range of ZIMM screw jack building block systems has been revised and expanded to include the new innovative Z range, increasing the application potential.

Screw jack systems are used to push, pull, lift, lower and position loads of anything from a few kilos to hundreds of tonnes.

They can be linked mechanically or electronically and, with the advances in motion-control, loads can be positioned to within microns.

Improvements in gear and screw technology make screw jacks a real alternative to hydraulics in terms of duty cycles and speed.

The new Z ZIMM system is more compact, while carrying the same loads, plus it is corrosion protected on all exterior components and housing.

The standard MSZ range is now available with a greater choice of screw jack body sizes and material options such as aluminium, cast iron, stainless steel, plated or specialist bodies. All options have a choice of either a standing or rotating screw.

There has also been an increase in the range of available add-on components such as safety nuts, anti-backlash mechanisms, ball screws, stainless spindles, connecting shafts, lubrication devices, linear measuring and encoding systems.

TEA Transmissions 07 4129 2533.

www.tea.net.au

Plant-wide reporting tool

CITECT has released CitectSCADA Reports V4.1; a plant-wide reporting tool that collects, historises and distributes reporting data, now offering better integration and superior reporting, while alleviating installation and configuration complexities.

The release introduces out-of-the-box alarm management reports, sample reports giving users instant access to historical data. It also focuses on connectivity with the introduction of multi-cluster support and industry standard connectivity via the OPC HDA Server.

CitectSCADA Reports V4.1 includes a range of pre-configured alarm management reports based on the EEMUA 191 Alarm Management guidelines that are the de-facto standard for the industry.

By utilising these reports, improved alarm management, alarm rationalisation and prioritisation becomes possible and plant monitoring and control becomes a continuing process rather than a milestone.

In addition, with CitectSCADA Reports V4.1 implementation time is reduced with an integrated reporting and analysis solution available out-of-the-box, enabling timely and strategic decision making across the entire enterprise.

Unlike other historians, CitectSCADA Reports V4.1 utilises 100% Microsoft SQL Server 2005 as its embedded historical data store, providing a combination of powerful data and storage performance.

The result is an accessible, easy-to-use, secure reporting tool that reduces the total cost of ownership, whilst bridging the gap between plant and business systems.

Citect 02 9496 7300.

www.citect.com

Mobile data transmission

COMPACT dimensions, integrated display with switchable carrier frequency (F1/2), 180m range, transmission rates of up to 3Mbit/s and Profibus interface, are said to be the most important features of the new ISD400 from SICK.

The infrared data transmission photoelectric switch is used for communication between mobile, generally rail-mounted, transport equipment in an aisle and a stationary, higher-ranking controller.

Systems like the ISD400 have proven themselves as the friction-free alternative to trailing cables.

A transmission path with the ISD400 consists of two devices. Each device’s carrier frequency is appropriately selected via the display. So only one device type needs to be ordered and stocked for spare parts.

The stationary and the mobile unit (on board a storage and retrieval device, a transfer vehicle or an unmanned rail-borne vehicle) each contain a data transmitter and a data receiver.

The two extremely compact units can communicate bi-directionally on an optical path over long distances. The point-to-point light path is monitored during transmission and any interruption of the light path is displayed both optically on the device and via a special functional interface.

Very easy alignment is achieved by means of a level indicator in the display of the ISD400 and an optical alignment aid. An error counter provides a high level of user-friendliness when checking the status.

SICK Australia 1800 334 802.

www.sick.com

Variable speed chain hoists

GIS Electric Chain Hoists has released a range of variable speed chain hoists that provide greater control over lifting while improving the quality and efficiency of the operation.

Ranging from the GCHFU 250/1HL to the GCHFU 2500/2NL models, GIS has released 39 products in the variable speed category.

The lifting speeds range from 0.26 metres a minute to 20 metres a minute depending upon the frequency of operation and load capacity. The range is suited to users requiring more sophisticated control over load-moving speeds.

According to Hasemer MD Stephen Batten, the variable speed range delivers a smooth increase in speed as it moves from minimum to maximum.

“With the use of a fully integrated frequency inverter, the maximum running speed and the acceleration to this speed can be set for each hoist so that you can control it better regardless of the application,” he said.

The variable speed chain hoists deliver a number of significant benefits to users. For delicate operations, loads can now be gently raised and lowered into position reducing the risk for error and damage.

Users also benefit from more flexibility when moving loads. A slow speed can be used to position the load and once clear of its position, a faster speed can be used to move it. The ability to tailor the lifting and moving speed to the task at hand increases operational efficiencies.

GIS has also increased the duty rating of the variable speed hoists to enable greater load capacity. The load capacity ranges from 100kg to 5000kg.

The GCH 2500/2NF can lift 5-tonne at either 3.2 or 0.8m/min with a duty rating of 25%(M3). With the frequency inverter the same size hoist can lift 5-tonne at a range of speeds up to 3.2m/min with a duty rating of 40% (M5).

In the smaller hoists, the improvement in load capacity is even more dramatic. A load capacity at 25% (M3) is now able to operate at a 60% (M7) duty rating.

Hasemer 02 9519 8188.

www.hasemer.com.au

Grime-resistant fall protection range

DBI-SALA has introduced the Resist fall protection range, specifically designed to resist the effects of grease, oil, paint, dirt and grime on fall protection harnesses and shock absorbing lanyards.

Constructed utilising Resist Technology, the range consists of a Delta Resist harness and an EZ Stop Resist shock absorbing lanyard.

Resist Technology is an extruded polyurethane coating that provides protection, durability and longevity. The unique Resist webbing deflects debris, cleans-up in seconds, and is extremely durable.

“Due to the nature of their work environment, many companies need to replace their harnesses and lanyards more often than normal,” says Rick Millar, technical manager for Capital Safety.

“We have overcome this problem with our Resist range, providing a unique and cost effective solution. Grease, oil, paint, dirt and grime simply wipe off.”

The Resist harness and shock absorbing lanyard meet the strict requirements of the new AS/NZS 1891.1:2007 standard. They deliver all the features and benefits that the trusted Delta and EZ Stop range has to offer, with the added benefit of Resist Technology webbing in its construction.

DBI-SALA’s i-Safe intelligent safety system is built into every Resist harness and lanyard to track inspections, control inventory and manage information.

i-Safe utilises RFID equipped fall protection equipment combined with web enabled information management to take fall protection to a new level of performance and safety.

Capital Safety 1800 245 002.

www.capitalsafety.com

Dedicated pallet labeller

DY-MARK Identification Solutions has introduced the APL 8000 pallet labeler series from United Barcode Systems (UBS) that offers a unique pallet labeling solution.

The APL 8000 series is designed for single, dual and even three panel applications and is custom built for pallet applications.

It makes compliance and traceability regulations easy and ensures the ultimate technology in GS1-128 barcode labels printing.

The series is offered with an optional elevator, allowing the pallet labeller to adjust and adapt to any pallet configuration and pre-programmed height. The optional elevator can also label one pallet from different heights.

The APL 8000 integrates the Datamax A-Class family of print engines which are designed to include some of the most innovative features ever found in a print and apply engine.

“It’s the only range of pallet labelers that has designed environmental cabinets for media supply, and integrated mechanics, pneumatics and electronics. This feature sets the UBS range apart from others,” Dy-Mark national sales manager Mark Luft said.

MCL capabilities

Dy-Mark Identification Solutions also has accredited staff that have been trained to develop MCL stand-alone applications.

The MCL solution means that there is no need for a PC, no requirement to link print engines, and the solutions are designed as stand-alone if needed.

Dy-Mark 07 3723 8043.

www.dymark.com.au

Modular safety system controller

SICK’s new Flexi Soft is a powerful, modular and easily commissioned safety controller which, due to its scalability, can be efficiently adapted to the requirements of a wide variety of safety applications.

Its intuitive user software makes it easy to combine function blocks and logic functions.

Thanks to this modular hardware platform, the compact safety controller grows with its task module-by-module – right up to the highest safety level. The design of safe system solutions is thus considerably simplified.

Integration in fieldbus environments, and the corresponding bidirectional communication between sensors, actuators, controllers and the ultimate control level, makes Flexi Soft particularly interesting for small to medium-sized machines.

Safe “wiring” via drag & drop

The safety controller consists of a CPU that is expanded by plugging in I/O modules and gateways. Configuration takes place via a particularly intuitive user interface.

The necessary sensors and actuators can easily be “wired” to the previously selected Flexi Soft module using drag & drop, and then parameterised.

The next step involves configuration of the safety application via the Logic Editor, which offers a large number of different logic and function blocks with which even highly complex linkages can be created and transparently displayed.

The complete configuration is stored on a separate memory plug that is connected to the safety controller like a plug-in block terminal.

As the power is also supplied via this plug, any device replacement required can be achieved without wiring effort – ensuring maximum possible system availability.

Up to 144 I/Os possible

The Flexi Soft CPU, optionally also available with two integrated EFI interfaces, is designed for the connection of 12 Flexi Soft modules, so that the system limit is defined as 96 inputs and 48 outputs.

Multi-channel input and I/O mixed modules, relay modules and fieldbus modules (for integration in the standard controller) are available.

When using intelligent safety sensors from SICK (such as S300 or S3000 safety laser scanners, or the C4000 safety light curtain) users can select the safety controller with EFI (Enhanced Function Interface).

In this case, the electro-sensitive protective devices communicate directly with the controller – only an I/O module, to which the various actuators such as drives, magnetic valves, final controlling elements or signal indicators can be connected, is required to output switching signals.

Expansion modules

On the input side, the expansion modules permit the integration of numerous different safety sensors.

These include almost the entire sensor portfolio from SICK – i.e. safety switches and safety locking devices, safety position and hinge switches, non-contact safety switches and safety operating devices, as well as almost all electro-sensitive protective devices such as laser scanners, camera systems, light curtains, as well as single-beam and multiple-beam safety devices.

It is also possible to integrated safety sensors from other producers, e.g. pressure mats or two-hand controls.

Ethernet communication

Depending on the task, the Flexi Soft can be operated with or without bus integration. In the former case, all modules are equipped with a bidirectional communication interface.

This possibility of data transmission offers a wide variety of supplementary benefits, including comprehensive diagnosis of all control and sensor functions, and display of the process.

In addition to the typical process and diagnostic data that the Flexi Soft system provides to a higher-ranking controller via the appropriate fieldbus connection, commands from a controller can also be processed in the Flexi Soft Logic Editor.

SICK Australia 1800 334 802.

www.sick.com

Customised signal solutions

MOORE Industries has announced a new service called SNAP, or Special Needs And Products, that provides customers with customised solutions to meet unusual signal interface needs in industrial process control, systems integration and factory automation applications.

Moore Industries has an extensive product line of interface solutions, and most product needs can be met with a standard instrument.

However, the company developed SNAP to solve the problems customers sometimes face when they need something very specific and unique to their operation.

The SNAP product team of applications engineers is on hand to evaluate unique customer signal interface requirements, and recommend a Moore Industries solution when a customer needs a signal interface instrument that’s a bit different, a lot different, or something that they just can’t get anymore.

The SNAP service aims to fill the hole when it comes to updating instruments, replacing instruments and supplying a signal interface solution when an off-the-shelf instrument is not available.

Typical modifications include special instrument functions, such as non-standard signal inputs and outputs, non-standard power ranges, computing and math functions, alarm trip modifications, and more.

In addition to custom orders for specialty instrument functions, SNAP engineers will work with customers to develop special and OEM instrument housings and enclosures, special and custom mounts and connectors, as well as special and custom temperature sensors and thermowells.

Though the SNAP service debuts this month, Moore Industries has been building such specials for customers over the past 40 years. Over the years, thousands of specials have been developed to meet specific customer needs.

Moore Industries’ SNAP team of engineers is dedicated to making customised solutions attainable for as many customers as possible.

Moore Industries 02 8536 7200.

www.miinet.com

Breakthrough in 3D CAD

SIEMENS PLM Software has announced the next big breakthrough in 3D CAD by adding synchronous technology to the next version of Solid Edge.

This is the PLM industry’s first-ever history-free, feature-based modeling technology that provides users with up to 100 times faster design experience than ever before.

This new patent-pending technology combines the best of constraint-driven techniques with direct modeling and is being integrated into the next version of Solid Edge software.

“Siemens recognised the huge potential of synchronous technology during the due diligence process of acquiring UGS,” said Anton Huber, CEO, Siemens Industry Automation Division.

“Knowing that the digital model is at the heart of our shared vision to unify the product and production lifecycles, we have worked together to accelerate this breakthrough in CAD technology.

“The digital model impacts every phase of the PLM process and is key to delivering innovation faster than ever before. This technology will fundamentally change the way manufacturers design products and enable them to accelerate their innovation process, ultimately driving increases in top line revenue.”

According to Barry Bevis, managing director of Solid Edge Australasian distributor Edge Software, the next CAD buzzword will be synchronous technology.

“It will give engineers an instantaneous modeling experience, allowing them to think about what they want to model and not how they want to model.”

The technology is the first-ever design solution that simultaneously synchronises geometry and rules through a new decision-making inference engine. It accelerates innovation in four key areas:

* Fast idea capture: Synchronous technology captures ideas as fast as the user thinks them, with up to 100 times faster design experience. Designers can devote more time to innovation with new techniques that provide the efficiency of parametric dimension-driven modeling without the computational overhead of pre-planned dependencies. The technology defines optionally persistent dimensions, parameters and design rules at time of creation or edit, without the overhead of an ordered history.

* Fast design changes: The technology automates the implementation of planned or unplanned design changes to seconds versus hours thorough unparalleled ease of editing, regardless of design origination, with or without the presence of a history tree.

* Improved multi-CAD reuse: The technology allows users to reuse data from other CAD systems without remodeling. Users can succeed in a multi-CAD environment with a fast, flexible system that enables them to edit other CAD system data faster than they can in the original system, regardless of the design methodology. A technique called “suggestive selection” automatically infers the function of various design elements without the need for feature or constraint definitions. This increases design reuse and OEM/supplier efficiency.

* New user experience: The technology provides a new user interaction experience that simplifies CAD and makes 3D as easy to use as 2D. The interaction paradigm merges historically independent 2D and 3D environments, providing the robustness of a mature 3D modeler with the ease of 2D. New inference technology automatically infers common constraints and executes typical commands based on cursor position. This makes design tools simple to learn and use for occasional users, driving downstream use to manufacturing engineering and the shop floor.

“While there have been important advances in 3D design technology over the years, designers have not been able to create persistent features without the computational overhead needed to re-compute models from the construction history,” said Chuck Grindstaff, executive vice president of products, Siemens PLM Software. “Traditional parametric modeling serially applies rules to geometry, helping to automate planned change but not addressing unanticipated engineering changes. History-less modeling concentrates on geometry in an unconstrained manner, but sacrifices intelligence and intent. Direct editing minimises the need to understand a complex history but does not address features.

“Our new synchronous technology incorporates the best of constrained and unconstrained techniques to deal with change in an extremely powerful and efficient manner. Applying the right technique to the job at hand, enables dimension-driven modeling to reach its full potential, generating tremendous productivity gains over traditional methods.”

“Synchronous technology breaks through the architectural barrier inherent in a history-based modeling system,” said Dr. Ken Versprille, independent research director, CPDA. “Its ability to recognise current geometry conditions and localise dependencies in real time, allows synchronous technology to solve for model changes without the typical replay of the full construction history from the point of edit. Depending on model complexity and how far back in the history that edit occurs, users will see dramatic performance gains. A 100 times speed improvement could be a conservative estimate.”

The patent-pending technology was jointly developed between Siemens PLM Software’s NX and Solid Edge organisations. Siemens PLM Software’s synchronous technology will be implemented in the next version of Solid Edge as a proprietary application layer built on its D-Cubed and Parasolid software.

The next version of Solid Edge, incorporating synchronous technology, will be previewed at National Manufacturing Week in Sydney from May 27-30.

Edge Software will then run seminars around Australia on the following dates: Melbourne – June 10; Sydney – June 11; Brisbane – June 12; Adelaide – June 17; Perth – June 18.

To register contact info@edgeaustralia.com.au or phone 1300 883 653.

Edge Software 03 9598 4955.

www.edgeaustralia.com.au

Electronic products DVD catalogue

OMRON Electronics has released the latest edition of its electronic data catalogue, eData March 2008.

Available in a convenient single-sided, single-layer DVD, the free eData catalogue provides more than 1000 manuals in pdf format.

The March 2008 edition of eData has been extensively revised to include more up-to-date data as well as more information for the user.

When loaded into a DVD drive of a computer, eData will automatically start the computer’s web browser. The main section divisions are shown at the top, with the “Products” page being displayed by default.

There are six main products divisions: Automation Systems; Motion and Drives; Control Components; Sensing Components; Safety Components; and Switching Components.

Each division has several sub-divisions and can be displayed by clicking in the tab of the appropriate sub-division.

Once in a subdivision, selection guides are displayed for easy comparison between products. Each product name serves as a link to its brochure, so clicking on it will display the brochure in a separate window.

Operation manuals (if applicable) have links accessible at the bottom of the product information. The back button in the browser can be used at any time to return to the previous screen.

Another of the new features of the eData is the free supplementary software included for the first time. The software includes some valuable updates, NTXS, a free CompoNet Configurator, a motor sizing utility and the latest drivers.

These utilities are all found in the software folder, in the root folder of the DVD.

Omron Electronics 02 9878 6377.

www.omron.com.au

Magnetic safety switches

RE series reed switches from SICK are suitable for protecting mechanical guards on machines and plant.

Whether for hoods, doors or flaps — neither vibrations, imprecise mounting, or demanding requirements regarding resistance in harsh environments impair reliable function.

Packaging machines, panel separators, printing and pre-assembly machines are just some of the types of machinery whose access areas are often protected by hoods, flaps or doors.

RE11, RE21 and RE31 magnetic safety switches reliably monitor these protective components, because they master tolerances in door mountings and machine openings, are immune to harsh operating conditions, and are friction- and maintenance-free.

They not only offer safety up to Performance Level “e”, but also ensure high plant availability and process reliability.

SICK Australia 1800 334 802.

www.sick.com

Packaged goods SCARA robot

ADEPT Technology has announced its newest inverted SCARA robot for the packaged goods market. The Adept Cobra s800 inverted IP65 brings high speed handling solutions to case and carton loading applications.

“This new inverted Cobra robot is ideal for customers needing extremely fast packaging needs and who face floor space challenges,” Adept Technology president John Dulchinos said.

“The inverted model not only saves valuable floor space but it is the fastest robot in its class and is impervious to dust, dirt and liquid making it a perfect fit in multiple packaging applications.”

The Adept Cobra s800 is a high-performance IP65 SCARA robot system for mechanical assembly, material handling, packaging, machine tending, screwdriving, and many other operations requiring fast and precise automation.

The robot offers maximum flexibility and scalability, a dramatic 70% reduction in wiring over other SCARA robots, and unique cost-saving expansion capabilities that are only available with Adept SmartServo.

The Adept Cobra s800 SCARA robot supports high-performance options, including conveyor tracking, vision guided motion, auxiliary servo axes, general machine control.

ControlVision 03 9018 7622.

www.adept.com.

Easy-to-operate metal detector

MANUFACTURED by Thermo Scientific, the APEX 500 metal detector uses new technology to create industry standards for performance, stability, and reliability.

The multi-coil design improves signal levels, resulting in the highest level of detection capability. This innovation is combined with new shielding techniques that improve sensitivity on wet or conductive products and cut waste caused by false rejects.

Only food grade materials are employed in the detector’s construction, including a stainless steel IP66 rated panel case and an ABS control panel.

Features and benefits include:

* Up to 20 per cent smaller diameter metal can be detected than with previous models.

* Unique icon-driven user interface using concepts employed in mobile phones and PCs.

* APEX 500 can be set up for most applications in a matter of minutes.

* Two operating frequencies and high/low gain electronics for application flexibility. Autocalibration is selectable.

* Sanitary blue epoxy aperture lining.

* Available with Thermo Scientific conveyor systems that can be custom designed to individual specifications.

The APEX 500 metal detector comes in a range of standard aperture sizes from 50-1250mm in width and 50-600mm in height. Product speed through the aperture can range from 0.5-1000 metres per minute. The instrument is ISO9001 certified.

J.L. Lennard general manager packaging Tony Dinallo said that in today’s competitive marketplace, food products must be delivered on time and at a competitive price.

“Food safety cannot be compromised, so metal detectors are an integral part of an HAACP program,” he said.

“The unmatched sensitivity of the APEX 500 meets the food industry’s reliability, environmental and hygiene needs. It enables you to protect your food brands and fulfil your legal requirements.

“With APEX 500 in the production line, you can quickly and completely achieve your quality goals and be assured that shipments don’t contain any unwanted metallic foreign objects.”

JL Lennard 02 9475 9000.

www.jllennard.com.au

Radar level transmitter

SITRANS LR 460 is the new continuous radar level measurement transmitter from Siemens featuring 24GHz FMCW (frequency-modulated continuous wave) technology and process intelligence echo processing.

Built on the SITRANS LR 400 platform, the LR 460 is the ideal solution for solids applications containing extreme dust, high temperatures, and long ranges to 100m.

Virtually any solid medium can be measured, including cement powder, fly-ash, coal, gypsum, flour, grain, aggregates and plastics.

With new process intelligence advanced echo-processing software and completely re-designed high frequency/high gain circuitry, SITRANS LR 460 is able to reliably measure these difficult applications – without touching the material.

Siemens field experience in over 500,000 applications, and its patented Sonic Intelligence software (used on ultrasonic transceivers), has been applied to this latest radar technology.

The new antenna system is designed for low loss and improved gain, thus increasing the signal-to-noise ratio an additional 20dB over the previous SITRANS LR 400.

This innovation allows for detection of very low dielectric constant materials at long ranges. This measurement is possible with a small horn antenna of only 100mm diameter; no large diameter parabolic dish is required.

Intense dust in the silo atmosphere does not attenuate the SITRANS LR 460 radar signal, as the device uses electromagnetic waves at 24GHz travelling at the speed of light to measure the distance to the material surface.

With the built-in Easy Aimer, it is simple to install and orient the device. The transmitter can be positioned perfectly relative to the sloped surface of the material, improving the return signal quality.

Ample room is provided for wiring and rugged screw terminals are provided, allowing fast and easy installation and wiring. The infrared handheld programmer is non-intrusive, allowing the device to be programmed without opening the cover.

Extreme process temperatures up to 200ºC can be accommodated and material temperature is unlimited. Optional self-cleaning purging connection and dust covers are available to prevent sticky solids from building up inside the antenna.

Siemens IAC 131 773.

www.siemens.com

IR camera sets thermography benchmarks

FLIR Systems has unveiled its latest handheld IR P660 camera with industry first technology designed to set new benchmarks for professional thermography.

The P660 — now available in Australia following a recent global launch – is packed with new features such as GPS, an innovative image processing tool, and remote control.

The P660 has been designed and developed for applications that need superior image quality, temperature measurement accuracy and better thermal image detail.

Its high resolution 640 x 480 pixel detector with a very high sensitivity of 45mK can make the difference between seeing or not seeing a thermal anomaly, especially when looking at small or distant targets.

The FLIR P660 is equipped with a full range of measurement functions and is packed with industry-first features.

Its integrated GPS adds value to maintenance in the utilities, energy, telecom, mining, facility management, logistics and other sectors that have to deal with inspection assets scattered over larger areas.

The GPS data is automatically stored with the infrared imagery, adding location information to inspection reports which guides inspection and field repair teams to the correct sites.

The P660 also features a Contrast Optimiser, a special algorithm that enhances details in contrast-rich infrared imagery and enables the user to view clearly both the scanned object and its surroundings.

An optional wireless remote control device steers all vital functions of the infrared as well as the visual camera from a safe distance so that the user can work safely in places that are difficult to access.

The FLIR P660 carries the Picture-in-Picture function which allows the user to overlay, pan, and scale an infrared image on the visual image. As all measurement data are retained, a full analysis of the combined images can be done.

FLIR’s Thermal Fusion functionality enhances the value of an infrared image by allowing the user to overlay it directly over the corresponding visible image in real-time.

The functionality combines the benefits of both the infrared image and visual picture at the push of a button. It allows for easier identification and interpretation of infrared images.

The FLIR P660 camera system includes a 3.2 megapixel visual camera, a large 5.6” colour LCD, tiltable viewfinder and a 3-hour battery, all in a rugged lightweight magnesium package that weighs less than cameras with a fraction of the resolution and performance features.

The camera system measures temperatures from -40°C to +500°C in its standard version with an optional measurement of up to +2000°C.

See all the hot spots with a new 3.2 megapixel auto-focus visual camera and the new Thermal Fusion and Picture-in-Picture tools.

Flir Systems 02 9416 0654.

www.flir.com.au